Dover is a Portland-based trumpeter and “storyteller through sound.” His musical skills allow him to leap between genres, and have earned him collaborations with an array of industry greats. However, these days Dover has diversified into artistic endeavors beyond trumpeting, including comic book writing. He’s the creative mind behind the pulpy, “jazz noir” Johnny Scotch series, featuring a moody, scotch-swigging, crime-fighting trumpet player.

All that aside, Dover is also a dab hand in the kitchen. He learned to whip up tasty meals by standing at his mother’s elbow, although his cooking style now reflects his own relaxed style. Dover cooks across culinary genres, but his go-to comfort meals pull from Italian roots, homemade pasta from scratch included.

On this episode of Marti’s Music Kitchen, Dover shares with show host Marti Mendenhall his musical inspirations, including tracks that have stayed with him from his early trumpet-playing days. He played original tracks off his original-works album “Working Out the Kinks,” and discusses how music, comics, food and storytelling blend in his life.

Tune in to 99.1 FM or stream at prp.fm on Thursday, Dec. 22 between 2-3 p.m. to catch the episode. Marti will follow Dover into his kitchen for a walk-through of his own recipe for salmon cakes with a delectable avocado sauce. Learn how to rustle up a side of roasted asparagus, pasta topped with a bechamel-based alfredo, and a light dressing for a healthy side salad. Listen to the show for tips and techniques, and follow along with the recipe linked above.

Dover also curated two culinary-inspired playlists to keep you entertained in the kitchen, one holiday inspired, one timeless. Scroll down to find both playlists.

John Dover’s Playlist for Everyday Cooking

Arturo Sandoval: Flight to Freedom – Flight to Freedom

Wynton Marsalis: Live at Blues Alley – Cherokee

Bobby Shew: One In a Million – One In a Million

Chuck Mangione: Live at the Hollywood Bowl – Children of Sanchez

Chris Botti: Italia – Nesumdorma

Brecker Brothers: Heavy Metal Be Bop – Some Skunk Funk

Carl Saunders: Out of the Blue – Stella By Starlight

Clifford Brown: Alone Together; The Best of the Mercury Years – Daahoud

Terrance Blanchard: Bounce – Azania

Michelle Camillo: One More Once – Just Kidding

Harry Connick Jr: Blue Light Red Light – You Didn’t Know Me When

John Dover’s Holiday Playlist for Cooking

Brian Setzer Orchestra: Boogie Woogie Christmas – Jingle Bells

Harry Connick Jr.: Harry Connick Christmas – Sleigh Ride

Chris Botti: December – Winter Wonderland

Wynton Marsalis: Wynton Christmas – Winter Wonderland

Yo Yo Ma: Songs of Joy and Peace – Wassail Song; All through the Night

Burl Ives – Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

Brian Setzer Orchestra: Boogie Woogie Christmas – Santa Clause is Back in Town

Harry Connick Jr.: Harry Connick Christmas – What are you doing for New Years

With a passion for music and a love of all things radio, Jen Emerson joined the PRP team in 2016. Jen’s musical involvement includes a long history of choral and jazz singing. She hosts "Fresh Spins with Jen Em" every Friday, 10 am-Noon